Ever woken up in a recliner after an unplanned nap and thought, "This is more comfortable than my bed?" You're not alone. When it comes to catching some serious Z's, recliners can sometimes outperform your mattress—if you choose the right recliner, of course.
But what makes a chair the perfect snooze spot? It’s not just about plush cushions or fancy features; it’s about what's right for your body and your unique needs. If you're looking for a piece of furniture to help you nap or even catch some quality sleep, there are certain factors you do need to keep in mind.
At the Furniture Mall, we've been helping our guests fall asleep in their recliners since 1933. To help you better understand what makes a recliner truly sleep-worthy, we've interviewed multiple specialists at our stores and compiled a list of the very best recliners for sleepers.
When evaluating recliners for sleepers, it's important to consider several key categories that define their overall performance. Here’s a summary of what each category means and how it can help you choose the best recliner for your needs:
The "Zero Gravity" feature is a game-changer for those seeking weightless relaxation. A recliner with this option elevates your feet to be level with your heart, creating a feeling of floating that reduces pressure on your spine, improves circulation, and relieves muscle tension. This is especially beneficial for sleepers who want a recliner that helps alleviate discomfort from prolonged sitting or resting.
Comfort is the heart of any good recliner, especially for those who plan to sleep in it. This category looks at the overall cushioning, support, and how the recliner feels during extended use. A recliner with plush padding, ergonomic design, and adjustable reclining angles will score higher in comfort, ensuring that it can support restful sleep without causing aches or stiffness.
Durability determines how well the recliner will stand the test of time. This category evaluates the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and construction. For sleepers, a durable recliner is essential because it will withstand frequent use without losing its comfort or functionality. High-quality springs, robust frames, and wear-resistant upholstery are key factors here.
Custom sleep features make a recliner even more versatile and tailored to your needs. This includes options like custom fabrics, add-ons like adjustable lumbar support, heating and massage functions, or special posture settings. Recliners that allow you to personalize your sleeping experience through these extras offer more value, especially for those with specific comfort requirements.
Finally, the cost range is crucial for understanding the value you’re getting. Recliners can vary greatly in price depending on their features, materials, and brand reputation. This category helps you wrap your mind around what kind of investment you're making, from budget-friendly options to high-end recliners.
Cost range reference:
By considering these categories, you can get a clearer picture of how different recliners stack up in terms of comfort, functionality, and overall value for sleeping and everyday use.
So let's take a look at the best recliners for napping and sleeping.
Flexsteel's Zecliner is a standout choice for sleepers who need a balance of support and cushioning in their recliner. Flexsteel's patented Blue Steel Spring construction provides durability and consistent support, making it a reliable option for those who plan on using it frequently for naps or overnight sleeping. Its power recline and lumbar support options ensure you can adjust to find the most comfortable sleeping position.
Overall, the Zecliner is designed for durability, with quality materials ensuring a long lifespan.
The Zecliner comes with plenty of custom options, including power headrest and footrest, USB port for charging devices, and more.
Keep in mind that the cushions on the Zecliner are a bit firmer than most recliners. This recliner is truly meant for sleeps and long naps!
Zecliner from Flexsteel
The Flynn Power Recliner from Kirkwood is a high-end choice for those seeking a versatile recliner that excels in sleep support. Its tailored design is matched by a smooth power reclining feature with zero gravity functionality. The quality craftsmanship, combined with plush, supportive cushioning, ensures that sleepers can relax in comfort. Additionally, excellent lumbar support helps relieve pressure points.
Note that the cushions are not quite as soft as those on the Ultra Comfort 5-Zone Power Recliner (reviewed next). However, this may just come down to personal preference.
Flynn Power Recliner from Kirkwood
For those who crave effortless relaxation, the Ultra Comfort 5-Zone Power Recliner could be a game-changer. Equipped with an remote (and one that's super easy to use), this recliner allows you to adjust its settings to find optimal comfort. For instance, the design features five distinct zones of support, ensuring that every part of your body receives the proper amount of cushioning and alignment. The independent control of zones—including head, back, leg, and lumbar adjustments—makes it easy to customize to your needs. Plus, the cushions themselves are comfy, meaty, and soft.
5-Zone Power Recliner in Coffee Bean from Ultra-Comfort
For sleepers who prioritize comfort with style, the Next-Gen DuraPella Power Recliner by Ashley offers a great combo. Its sleek, yet regal, design is paired with comfort features which include power reclining, headrest adjustments, and a cozy memory foam seat. The high backrest provides ample neck and head support. This recliner is a solid option for people who need a recliner that's as good for napping as it is for watching TV or lounging. However, some customers have reported that Ashley Furniture doesn't hold up as long as some of the other brands on this list.
Another potential downside: there aren't too many fabric options or other customization options available.
Next-Gen DuraPella Power Recliner from Ashley
Looking for an alternative style of a sleeper recliner from Ashley? Try the Tyranny Triple Power Leather Recliner.
Tyranny Triple Power Leather Recliner from Ashley
The La-Z-Boy Billie Bronze Power Lift Recliner is a nice blend of comfort and value. Like the other recliners on this list, it's got power lift capabilities, easy to smoothly adjust into a fully reclined position. The generous cushioning and soft fabric help you drift off quickly, and it provides excellent support for the back and legs. To top things off, the price for the Billie Bronze Power Lift Recliner is fairly reasonable.
Note: This chair is optimized for more petite individuals (5'4'' or shorter). Thus, a 3.5/5 instead of a 4/5 comfort ranking.
Billie Bronze Power Lift Recliner from La-Z-Boy
Looking for an alternative if you're a taller person? The Pinnacle line by La-Z-Boy should meet your needs (although they are not zero gravity):
Pinnacle Power Recliner from La-Z-Boy
The Mike Swivel Power Recliner by Stressless is not zero gravity, but it's still a solid choice for people who tend to nap in their recliners. Stressless is known for its patented Glide System, which allows for smooth adjustments that follow your body’s natural movements. The Mike recliner’s unique swivel feature adds flexibility for most relaxation positions, while the plush seat and advanced lumbar support make it super comfortable. For those who want modern design paired with comfort, check out the Mike.
Keep in mind that this chair is probably not ideal for sleeping for long periods.
Mike Swivel Power Recliner in Paloma Oxford Blue from Stressless
Mike Swivel Power Recliner in Paloma Copper from Stressless
At the end of the day, finding the right recliner for sleeping comes down to comfort, durability, and those little custom features that can make all the difference. Sleep doesn’t just happen in beds anymore, so why settle for anything less than the best?
For more on recliners, check out our review of Flexsteel's four most popular furniture lines, our guide to the pros and cons of La-Z-Boy, or even our recliner recommendations for people who hate the traditional look of recliners. And if you need more specific guidance, come in to one of our three Furniture Mall locations—Topeka, Olathe, or Lee's Summit.
Happy napping!